Oil-well apparatus and method of operating the same



Dec. 29. 1925- R. CONRADER OIL WELL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed August 29, 1921 Wa /JMW Inwnloz:

Dec. 29, 1925'- R. CONRADER OIL WELL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed August 29, 1921 1 Dec. 29, 1925 I 115673183 R. CONRADER OIL WELL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME F iled August 29, 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aihrne I Patented Dec. 29, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

RUDOLPH CONRADER, OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA.

OIL-WELL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME.

Application filed August 29, 1921. Serial Nov 496,194.

heavier constituents are precipitated witha consequent clogging of the well and a consequent reduetion of production as well as the loss of these lighter constituents which are evaporated. Ordinarily the hexane of hydrocarbon oils can be retained in a liquid state by maintaining a pressure of about two and a half pounds and this is ordinarily the .lightest constituent that it is desirable to attempt to retain. Where such pressure is maintained on the wells and there is no adequate storage capacity as is common on the average oil producing'lease one of the disadvantages of retaining such pressure is the difliculty in supplying the local requirements as to gas. The present invention COD? templates a connection from the well or group of wells of a commercial line having a regulating valve at the pressure that it the well and a local line controlled by t e regulating valve of slightly less pressure, the result being that so long as the well is producing an. excess of gas this excess will be delivered to the commercial line.

In carrying out my method I provide for the local requirements during the time the well fails to deliver sufiicient gas by re.

ceiving the gas from the commercial lines and I provide valve controlling mechanisms whereby the difierent lines are closed off or opened following the relation between the supply of gas and the local consumption.

Where the oil is delivered to an open tank uite a considerable loss is occasioned from i t eevapo'ration of the lighter constituents. I prefer, therefore to retain this'oil in storage under the same pressure or approximatelythe same pressure as it is retained in the well. Thus the evaporation of these lighter constituents isprevented and may be delivered in the 'oil' at some point for final treatment. It is desirable under these con ditions to provide for withdrawing the oil from the tankwithout mixing the air with the gases and the method and apparatus of this invention contemplates this:

The apparatus forming the subject matter of the invention and with which the method may be carried out is illustrated in the accompanyrng drawings as follows Fig. 1 shows a well in section and an apparatus in elevation for receiving the oil and gas thereform.

Fig. 2 a plan View of the power plant for operating the well.

Fig. 3 a section through a regulating valve regulating the delivery to the commerciaBl line.

ig. 4-. a regulatin valve controllin the delivery to the local l ine. g

Fig. 5 a second regulating valve on the delivery line.

Fig. 6 a cut-oil valve on the connection from the commercial source to the local line.

1 marks the well. This extends through the ordinary upper earth formations 2, rock formations 3 and into the oil-bearing sand 4 having the usual oil cavity 5. A casing 6 extends through the earth formation and this is provided with the usual casing head 7 fromwhich the gas line 8 extends. A pump 9 is arranged in the cavity 5 and has the usual tubig 10 extending to the surface and throu h the casing head. The pump is operate from a sucker rod 11 and delivers the oil through the pipe 12. The sucker rod is operated by a jack having an oscillating element 13 pivotally mounted on a support 14. A rod 15 extends from the oscrllating element to a power 16, the power having a plurality of the rods 15 running to the various lines as shown in plan view.

The power ,is operated from an engine, "a connecting rod 17 leading from the power to-acrank 18 arranged on a shaft 19. A drive pulley 20 is also fixed on the shaft 19 and driven by a belt 21 from a pulley 22 on. the shaft 23.

Gas is taken from theline 8 by a pipe 24 leading to the commercial lines. A meter 25 is arranged in this pipe and a regulating valve 26 is also provided. the regulating valve being controlled by pressure at the well side ofthe line and set at the predetermined pressure that it isdesired to maintain on the well.- For example. in some instances two and a half pounds would he the desirable pressure. A line 27 extends-from the regulator 26 and a pump 28 is arranged in the pipe 27 operated from an engine 29.

The pump is designed to maintain a pressure at the discharge side of the regulating valve below well pressure so that when the regulating .valve is opened there will be a ready discharge to the line.

A local-branch 30 extends from the pipe 31. This regulating valve is controlled by the discharge pressure which pressure is or-.

dinarily a desirable pressure forpower or domestic use, usually about four ounces.

The gas then passes through a meter 33 and is carried by a pipe 34 to the engine 23 and a pipe 35 to the engine 29. So long as the well delivers gas sufficient for local needs gas is delivered through the valve system described and any excess is carried through the valve 26 to the commercial lines.

When, however, the well does not supply suflicient gas it is desirable to have gas delivered from a commercial source. The gas is delivered by way of a pipe 36. leading from the commercial lines through a meter 37. A cut-off valve 39 is arranged in the pipe 36. A pipe 40 extends from the controlling element of the cut-off valve 39 to the pipe 30 between the valves 31 and 32;

As soon as the valve 31 is closed the presa P ed lever (5 operating 1n the same manner.

sure on the controlling means of the valve 39 delivered through'the pipe 40 is relieved and this permits the valve 39 toopen so that gas is delivered from the commercial,

source to the engines 23 and 29 or for use in the local lines as desired. A check valve '38 is provided so as to prevent any back- -44 being guided by Wings 48 anda diaphragm 49 is secured on the upper end of the stem, the diaphragm. operating in g a chamber 49*. A weighted lever 50 operates against the diaphragm through a push pin 51, the lever being pivoted on the diaphragm chamber at 52 and being provided with an adjustable weight 53. The gas from the line 24 passes-into the valve in the direction of the arrow and is delivered past the wings 48 into the lower part of the chamber 49 against the diaphragm. The diaphragm is weighted to close the valve whenever the pressure falls below a predetermined minimum. The valve 31 is shown in Fig. 4. It is pro vided with a body 54 having a diaphragm 55. Valve seats 56 are arranged in the diaphragm and the valve heads 57 operate on these seats. The valve heads are connected by the stem 58 and guided by wings 59. A stem 60 extends up from the upperhead and is provided with guide wings 60 operating in the body. The stem extends into a dia+ phragm chamber 61 provided with a diaphragm 62 and the upper end of thestem is weighted by a weighted lever 63 in the manner of the valve shown in Fig. 3. The valve 31 has the two heads 57 of slightly different size so that the valve is slightly unbalanced. As a result the valve 31 will not open until the pressure in the well has reached a point that will open the valve 26 in order that a frequent variation in the supply for' local needs may be avoided.

, The valve 32 is shown in section in Fig. 5. It comprises a body 66 with a diaphragm 67. Valve seat 68' are operated upon by the valve heads 69, the valve heads being connected by the stem 70. A stem 71 extends from the upper valve head and is provided with the guide wings 72 extending into a diaphragm chamber 73. The upper end of the stem is connected to the diaphragm 74 in the usual manner of the diaphragm in the valve 26 and is also provided with a weight- In this valve the diaphragm is subjected to 'the discharge pressure so as tocontrol the ranged on the body. A diaphragm 70 is locatedv in the chamber in the usual manner and secured to the stem 71 extending upwardly from the valve head 67. Guide wings 72 guide the stem 71*. A pipe 40 extends to the upper part of the diaphragnr= chamber so that the diaphragm is subjected to the pressure of. the pipe 30 between the valves 31 and 32 on its upper face and to the ordinary commercial line pressure of a few ounces on its lower face. When the pressure on the upper face of the diaphragm drops from the closing of the valve 31' the spring '68 immediately opens the valve and perinits a supply to pass in from the commercial ines.

The tank 76. is provided for receiving the oil and the pipe 12 delivers to this tank.

' operating on the seat 81 so as to close ofl the flow of oil when air is delivered from the tank through, the pipe 78 to the float chamber. A push pin 82 is provided for forcing the float 82 off the seat in the beginning of the operation. A pipe 83 connects the upper end of the float chamber 80 with the tank and a valve 84 is provided by means of v g which this connection may be closed or troduced and also the oil tester.

float to drop so as to close the valve.

opened.

In the operation of this device the valve 84 is opened with a full level of liquid in the tank. This brings thefloat to the upper end of the chamber. When it is desired to empty the tank the valve 84; is closed. As the oil passes from the tank through the discharge pipe 7 8 the float 82 remains in its upper position until the level of liquid reaches the pipe 78 when gas passes through this pipe to the float chamber 80 allowing tpe 11 order to conserve gas and to permit of ganging the tank the pipe 77 is provided with a cut-oif valve by means of which the gas may be shut oil" the tank when it is desired to empty the. tank. At this same time it is desirable to maintain gas on the tank at approximatel atmospheric pressureand to accomplish t 's I provide a bypass 86 with a regulating valve 87 similar to the regulat ing valve 32 controlling the bypass 86. This regulating valve is controlled as it will be observed by tank pressure and opens when the pressure drops below a pressure slightly above atmosphere, thus permitting the inflow of gas to supply whatever may be necessary to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the tank. After the emptying of the tank the valve 85 is opened and this permits the regular gas pressure to be again placed on the tank. p

In drawing ofi the tank, if gas is to be maintained upon it provision must be made which will permit gauging the tank and I have provided Ior this purpose the following inechanism:A gauge tube 88 extends down to near the bottom of the tank provided with a plug 89 at the topthrough which the gauge of the gauger may be in- In view of the factthat some of the gas from the oil may be lighter or heavier than air it is desirable to provide a trap which prevents the movement of air to the tank, the communication to the air for balancin the pressure on the tank for gauging, etc. lacing through this trap. A pipe 90 is secured in a fitting at the top of the tank and has openings 91 leading to the tank near the top thereof. A second pipe 92 extends downwardly through the fitting in the pipe 90, the pipe 90 being closed at the bottom. A valve 93 is provided at the top of the pipe 92 and this may be opened or closed as it is desired to place the oil under atmospheric pressure or confine the gas.

What I claim as new'is:---

1. The method of operating oil wells which consists in maintaining a predetermined pressure on the well; drawing ofl suflicient gas for local operation; and (lelivering the excess to a separate low pressure line.

2. The method of operating oil wells which consists in maintaining a predetermined pressure on the well; drawing oif suflicient gas for local operation; delivering the excess to a separate line; and cutting off the line at a pressure above that of delivery for operating the well.

3. The method of operating oil wells which consists in maintaining a prede- Y termined pressure on the well; withdrawing the oil; holding the gas delivered from the well on the oil and in storage; and discharging the excess gas.

4. The method of operating oil wells which consists in maintaining a predetermined pressure on the well; withdrawing the oil; holding the gas delivered from the well on the oil and in storage; discharging the excess gas; drawing ofl sufficient gas for local operation; and delivering the excess gas to a separate line.

5. The method of operating oil wells which consists in maintaining a predetermined pressure on the well; withdrawing the oil; holding the gas delivered from the well on the oil and in storage; and discharging the excess gas from the oil in storage preliminary to drawing ofl' the oil and maintaining the gas on the oil as it is drawn oil.

6. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a well; two gas receiving lines connected with the well; and regulating valves controlled by well pressure for said receiving lines, one of said valves closing at a higher pressure than the other of said valves. 1

7. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a well; two gas receiving lines connected with the well; regulating valves controlled by well pressure for said lines, one of said valves closing at a higher pressure than the other of said valves; and means for maintaining a pressure at the discharge side of the regulating valve below that at which the regulating valve is set.

8. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of an oil well; two gas receiving lines connected to the oil well; regulating valves;

sure than the other of said valves; and a second regulating valve controlled by discharge. pressure on the line controlled by the regulating valve controlled by the lower pressure.

f). In an oil well apparatus, the combination with a well; a first gas line; a regulating valve on the first line controlled by well pressure; a second gas line; a regulating valve for said second line; a third line connected-\with the second line at the discharge side of the regulating valve: and a shut-off valve on the third line controlled by pressure. on the second line.

10. In an oil well apparatus, the combination with a well; a first gas line: a regulating valve on the first line controlled by well pressure; a second line; a regulating valve on the second line controlled by well pressure; a third line connected with the second.

line at the discharge side of the regulating valve; a shut-ofi' on the third line; and a connection between the shut-off valve and the second line operating to open the shutott' val e as the regulating valve on the second line closes.

11. In an oilwell apparatus, the combination. with a well; a first gas line; a regulating valve on the first line controlled by well pressure; a second gas line; a regulating valve for said second line; a third line connected with the second line at the discharge side of the regulating valve: a shut-off valve 011 the third line controlled by pressure on the second line; and means for maintaining a pressure at the discharge side of the regulating valve on the first line below well pressure.

19. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a well; a closed tank; an oil line 7 leading from the Well to the tank; a gas line leading from the, well to the tank; a discharge from the gas line; and a regulating valve on the discharge maintaining a predetermined pressure.

13. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a well; a closed tank; an oil line leading from the well to the tank; a gas line leading from the well to the tank; a discharge from the gas line; a regulating valve on the discharge maintaining a predetermined pressure; means for shutting oil the gas line at the tank; a bypass leading from the gas line to the tank; and a regulating valve on the bypass.-

14. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a well: a closed tank; an oil line leading from the well to the tank; a gas line leading from the well to the tank; a

discharge from the gas line; a regulating valve on, the discharge maintaining a predetermined pressure; a discharge valve for the tank; and means for automatically closing sa d valve on the emptying of the tank preventing the discharge of gas from the tank.

15. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a well; a closed tank; an oil line leading from the well to the tank; a gas line leading from the well to the tank; a discharge valve on the tankz'and means for automatically closing the discharge valve on the emptying of the tank to prevent the discharge of gas.

16. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a well: a closed tank; an oil line leading from the well to the tank; a gas line leading from the well to the tank; a

discharge valve on the tank; means for automatically closing the discharge valve on the emptying of the tank to prevent the discharge of gas; a cut-off for the gas line at the tank; a bypass leading from the gas line to the tank: and a regulating valve on the bypass.

17. In an oil Well apparatus, the combination of a well; a closed tank; means for maintaining gas on the tank; and an air connection leading to the tank comprising a trap.

18. In an oil Well apparatus, the combination of a closed tank; means for maintaining gas on the tank; a gauge tube extend ing from the top of the tank to near the bottom of the same; and an air connection to the tank comprising a trap.

19. In an oil well apparatus, the combination of a closed tank; means for maintaining gas on thetank; a gauge tube extending from the top of the tank to near the bottom of the same; an air connection to the tank comprising a trap; and means for opening and closing the air connection.

20. In an oil Well apparatus, the combination of an oil well; means for maintaining a predetermined pressure on the well; an oil tank connected with the well; a gas connection normally maintaining the tank under the pressure of the well; means for RUDOLPH CONRADER: 

